The Top Companies Not To Be Follow In The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a faster and less expensive process.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating the original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys, such as car or home security keys.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in car keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires special equipment.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain access without the assistance of locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service may create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a few machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. automotive key cutting near me says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.